Joblessness serious, but 2014 to be 'year of positive change'

(ANSA) - Strasbourg, January 14 - The recession in parts of
Europe may be over but major problems including high
unemployment linger, European Commission President José Manuel
Barroso said Tuesday.
"The recession is behind us, but there is no room for
complacency," Barroso said in comments to the European
Parliament in Strasbourg.

Because the jobless rate remains too high in Europe, and
small- and mid-sized businesses cannot find money to invest to
grow, the economic crisis lingers, he said.

But there is still room for hope if nations work together,
he added.

"I am sure that 2014 will be a year of positive change for
the European economy," he said.

"We will work together to make this happen as soon as
possible".
Unemployment in Italy touched new record highs in November,
Italian statistical agency Istat said in its most recent jobs
report.